Wichita Bail Bonds Blog

In the federal prison system, most inmates must serve about 85% of their sentence before becoming eligible for release. This rule comes from the Truth in Sentencing Act, which requires federal prisoners to serve the majority of their time behind bars, with only limited credit for good behavior. Unlike some state systems, the federal system does not offer parole, meaning time off is minimal and strictly regulated.

The 85% Rule Explained

Under federal law, inmates can earn up to 54 days of good conduct time per year if they follow all prison rules and complete required programs. This reduces the actual time served to roughly 85% of the original sentence.

• Example – A 10-year sentence results in about 8.5 years served with good conduct.
• Applies to most federal inmates – except for those serving life or specific mandatory minimums.
• Good time can be lost – Violating rules or refusing programs can reduce earned credit.

No Federal Parole System

Federal prisoners do not have access to traditional parole, which allows early release under supervision. The federal government abolished parole for most crimes committed after 1987, replacing it with supervised release after serving the required time.

• No parole hearings – Release depends on sentence completion, not board approval.
• Supervised release – Follows prison time, similar to probation with strict conditions.
• Revocation possible – Violating supervised release terms can send the person back to prison.

Programs That Can Reduce Time

Although parole isn’t available, some programs can shorten a federal sentence slightly. These reductions are limited but can make a meaningful difference for eligible inmates.

• Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) – Successful completion can reduce up to 12 months from a sentence.
• First Step Act credits – Earned for participating in classes, job training, or counseling programs.
• Halfway house or home confinement – Toward the end of the sentence, inmates may transition to community supervision.

Factors That Affect Time Served

Several factors determine how much time someone actually serves in federal custody. While good conduct and program participation can reduce time, serious infractions or mandatory sentencing laws can eliminate reductions entirely.

• Behavior record – Misconduct removes earned time credits.
• Mandatory minimums – Some drug or gun crimes require fixed prison terms with no early release.
• Sentence length – Longer sentences create more opportunities for program participation but still follow the 85% rule.

After Release

Once released, federal inmates typically serve a period of supervised release. This period usually lasts between one and five years, during which they must follow specific rules, such as maintaining employment, avoiding drug use, and checking in with a probation officer.

• Supervised release length – Determined by the original sentence and offense type.
• Violations – Breaking supervision terms can result in re-incarceration.
• Early termination – Possible for those who show good behavior and compliance.

In federal prison, inmates must serve about 85% of their sentence due to limited good conduct time and no parole system. Participation in approved programs can slightly reduce the term, but full release only comes after serving nearly the entire sentence.